China Pressures Laos to Block South China Sea Deal — SkimNews
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- China has leaned on Laos to scuttle the ASEAN Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, exploiting Vientiane’s economic dependence and recent military cooperation, including a new joint base north of the capital.
- Laos is expected to obstruct the Code of Conduct negotiations at the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, acting as Beijing’s preferred proxy after Cambodia declined to block the process again.
- Philippines has prioritized finalizing the Code of Conduct during its ASEAN chairmanship, pushing for a rules-based resolution to maritime disputes despite Chinese intimidation and diplomatic interference.
- Cambodia previously blocked consensus on the Code of Conduct, notably in 2012, but ASEAN sources indicate it now lacks the political will to confront China again due to internal crises and shifting foreign policy dynamics.
- Myanmar remains excluded from ASEAN summits over its 2021 coup, limiting China’s options for allies to derail the CoC, while Timor-Leste, though aligning with Beijing, avoids antagonizing key ASEAN members on the issue.
Why it matters: The Philippines’ bid to unify ASEAN against coercive maritime claims fails if Laos blocks the Code of Conduct, handing China a strategic win without firing a shot. With no joint communique possible and bilateral deals favored, smaller states lose leverage while Beijing entrenches control over vital sea lanes.
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